The 10 Best Things to do in Cornwall with Dogs

Planning to visit the southwest with your favourite hound in tow? If so, discover the best dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall with our guide!

Cornwall is a fantastic destination for pets, with so many things to see and do for everyone to enjoy. While there are endless things to do in Cornwall with dogs, we have chosen some of our absolute favourites!

Continue reading to discover the 10 best things to do in Cornwall with dogs…

1. St Nectan’s Glen, Trethevy near Tintagel

Our first dog-friendly attraction in Cornwall is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

St Nectan’s Glen welcomes you and your canine companion to one of nature’s most stunning creations, nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover the awe-inspiring location on a woodland walk, which takes you to the sacred waterfall site.

You and your pooch can explore amidst the ancient ivy-clad trees that line the Tiver Treville. This is a place where fauna is found, and tales of fairies, piskies and spirits are told!

After enjoying the walk and admiring the sound of bird songs, find the 60ft UK waterfall! The river has carved its way through the Late Devonian slate to create this striking landmark and has punched a hole through the original kieve.

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful veil of water, making a stunning backdrop for pictures of your dog!

2. Lantic Bay Beach, South East Cornwall

This dog-friendly beach in Cornwall is one of the many seaside locations you and your canine companion can enjoy this year!

Spend a summer’s afternoon on this beach, where your best friend can run free along the sands and paddle in the water. Sit back and relax on the beach, which is mostly sandy, boasting an unspoiled environment that promises tranquillity.

Impressively, dogs are welcome on this Cornwall beach all year!

3. Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey

Dogs and well-behaved owners are welcome to explore the 200-acre garden, filled with history, mystery, and romance!

This dog-friendly Cornish attraction was lost during the outbreak of WW1 and was rediscovered in 1990 as Europe’s largest garden restoration project! Today, you and your four-legged friend can explore the Victorian Productive Gardens and the Pleasure Grounds, before a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels.

Find miles of pathways and routes to explore for you and your dog to enjoy, making this an exceptional dog-friendly place to visit in Cornwall!

Please note: Due to the variety of rare livestock and poultry around the site, dogs must be always kept on a short lead.

4. The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno

Be sure to include The Minack Theatre on your things to do in Cornwall with dogs list! Here, you can look forward to exploring the UK’s most famous outdoor amphitheatres!

The Minack is an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully, jutting into the sea! This dog-friendly attraction in Cornwall affords stunning views over Porthcurno Bay towards the Lizard Peninsula on the horizon.

You are welcome to explore the grounds and even get up on the stage if you’re feeling brave! Afterwards, explore the sub-tropical gardens and admire the waves that surge around Logan Rock!

Please note: Unfortunately, dogs will not be admitted to live performances.

5. Hurlers Stone Circle, Bodmin Moor

Next on our guide to dog-friendly places in Cornwall is the historical site of Hurlers Stone Circle, found on the eastern flank of Bodmin Moor.

You and your dog can look forward to discovering three fine Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles, which are extremely rare in England. In the 1930s, archaeologists excavated the stone circles, which today offers a superb free Cornwall attraction!

To the west, there is a pair of upright stones, known as the Pipers. The northern circle boasts 15 original stones, and the central circle has 14 original stones and 4 markers. This is a truly unique spot to explore whilst on holiday here!

After admiring the special site, you and your dog can explore the surroundings further and explore the Cheesewring also known as Stowe’s Hill. This is a great walk to soak up the dramatic landscape of the Bodmin Moor.

Please note: Dogs are welcome on leads to help protect the local ground-nesting bird population.

6. The Eden Project, St Austell

Undoubtedly one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Eden Project is dog-friendly too!

A visit to this South Cornwall dog-friendly attraction ensures a fun-packed and educational day out like no other. It is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable locations in Cornwall too!

Lovers of flora can roam several impressive artificial biomes laced with exotic plants originating from across the globe.

For those wondering where dogs can go in the Eden Project, your four-legged friend will be allowed on the outdoor paths and in the visitor centre. However, dogs are not permitted in the biomes or undercover areas.

There are still miles of plant-lined paths and much more for your canine companion to see and do at this unique Cornwall dog-friendly attraction.

7. Tintagel Castle, Tintagel

Can you take dogs to Tintagel Castle? Absolutely!

Explore the magical ruins of King Arthur’s thought-to-be birthplace with your four-legged friend.

As well as its links to one of England’s most famed kings, Tintagel Castle and its enchanting location have been the inspiration for writers and artists aplenty.

Not only is this dog-friendly Cornwall attraction surrounded by compelling history, but also comes wrapped in breath-taking coastal scenery. This makes it one of the most incredible things to do in Cornwall with dogs!

Use our Tintagel travel guide for inspiration on how best to explore this superb area of Cornwall.

8. Luxulyan Valley, St Austell

Luxulyan Valley is another superb dog-friendly attraction in Cornwall, boasting two miles of tranquil woodland to discover.

Come here to uncover hundreds of years of fascinating history and admire the character that has been shaped by natural forces and human industry. The valley has seen a variety of changes and innovations, however, today, it offers a peaceful stroll for you and your dog.

Explore the steep-sided valley and meander along the banks of the River Par, home to a wide range of wildlife. This includes over 40 species of fern and various other flora and fauna of conservation importance!

9. Jamaica Inn, Launceston

When you’ve explored Cornwall’s dog-friendly attractions, replenish at the Jamaica Inn. This spot is located high up on Bodmin Moor, full of wild and wonderful landscapes.

This is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall and Cornwall’s most cherished smuggler’s inn! This Cornish inn was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn novel and offers a comfortable place to unwind after a long walk.

Cosy up with a drink in front of the roaring woodburning fire in winter or head outside to soak up the panoramic view in summer!

The Jamaica Inn will greet your dog with a treat before letting them into the Smugglers Museum or bar.

10. South West Coast Path

Our final thing to do in Cornwall with dogs is the incredible South West Coast Path, ideal for those on walking holidays.

As a National Trail and waymarked footpath, the coastal path is the longest in the UK, spanning 630 miles. The path itself runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coast of Devon and Cornwall and finishes in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

Dogs can walk the entire path, however, there are several recommended routes.

Easy dog-friendly walks on the coastal path include the short Bolberry Down route, which runs high along the cliff tops! More moderate strolls include the walk passing through Abbotsham and Westward Ho!, whilst those seeking a challenge will enjoy the nine-mile route from Watersmeet.

Discover even more dog-friendly walks within our Cornwall walking guide.

Take a look at our full range of cottages that accept pets for free!

Feeling inspired by our things to do in Cornwall with dogs? Use our free Cornwall travel guide for more inspiration on how to spend your southwest break! 

Image Credits: Mike Smith – (CC BY-SA 2.0)